drake in breeding plumage; very colorful (California, USA; 2007-02-10)


Wood Duck
Aix sponsa

Native Range: North America

Notes: a very colorful duck of wooded swamps and small lakes; nests in tree cavities (or in nest boxes supplied by people); strong sexual dimorphism; drake's nonbreeding (eclipse) plumage much less colorful and generally like that of hen but without the pronounced eye-ring.
color depends on the lighting conditions (California, USA; 2006-03-11)
drake in eclipse plumage; pattern on face (California, USA; 2009-07-05)

hen; brown and drab (California, USA; 2007-02-10)
hen; extended white eye-ring (California, USA; 2006-05-21)

hen or juvenile (California, USA; 2007-08-12)
nest box (California, USA; 2011-08-06)

breeding pair (California, USA; 2006-01-29)